Guardians fall to Royals 5-3 on July 26 after Jonathan India's walk-off HR off Emmanuel Clase erased Kyle Manzardo's 10th-inning heroics. A stunning loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was the highest of highs followed by the lowest of lows. For a fleeting moment in the top of the 10th inning, it felt like classic Guardians grit would win the day. Kyle Manzardo delivered a clutch go-ahead single, and Cleveland had the lead. But baseball can be a cruel game, and in the bottom half, closer Emmanuel Clase experienced both ecstasy and agony, ultimately serving up a three-run walk-off home run that handed the Kansas City Royals a stunning 5-3 victory.
One brilliant pickoff, one fateful pitch. The 10th inning was a cruel summary of a game Cleveland let slip away.
The 10th inning was a roller coaster of emotion. With the automatic runner on second, Kyle Manzardo stepped up and laced an RBI single to give the Guards a 3-2 lead. The dugout was electric. Then, Emmanuel Clase came on for the save. He started with a brilliant, veteran move, picking off speedy Royals runner Tyler Tolbert at second base for a massive first out. The momentum felt insurmountable. But after a walk, Jonathan India stepped to the plate and crushed a pitch over the wall, flipping the script in an instant and sending the Guardians to the clubhouse in stunned silence.
Before the extra-inning drama, it was a tight, back-and-forth affair. Starter Gavin Williams gave the team a chance to win, battling through 6.0 innings and allowing just two runs. Offensively, Daniel Schneemann was a machine, reaching base four times and scoring two of the team's three runs. Bo Naylor did his part, driving in two runs with a sacrifice fly and an RBI double. Defensively, Gabriel Arias provided a highlight of his own with a spectacular long throw across the diamond to nail Bobby Witt Jr. in the fifth. These bright spots, however, were ultimately overshadowed by the inability to close the door.
In a minor roster shuffle ahead of the twin bill, the Guardians recalled right-handed pitcher Zak Kent from Triple-A Columbus to serve as the 27th man. This move provides a fresh arm for the bullpen, a necessity on a long day of baseball. Kent offers depth and flexibility, whether he's needed in the second game or to help rest other arms in the coming days.
The beauty of a doubleheader is the chance for immediate redemption. The Guardians have to shake this one off quickly, flush the frustration, and come out swinging in the nightcap. A split on the day is still very much on the table, but it will require a short memory and a much cleaner finish.
